Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has rewarded three outstanding school principals with brand-new vehicles as part of efforts to promote excellence and improve the quality of education in the state.
The presentation was made during the Third Edition of the Borno State Education Excellence Awards Ceremony held in Maiduguri.
Representing the governor, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, said the awards were instituted to recognise exceptional performance, encourage dedication among educators, and strengthen the state’s education sector.
Wakilbe said the selection process was based strictly on merit, urging teachers and school administrators to strive for excellence rather than rely on seniority or personal connections.
Quoting former President Olusegun Obasanjo, he challenged educators to reflect on their legacy by asking, “What would you be remembered for?”
The award recipients included Malam Ayuba Daniel, Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Fikaheryl, who was recognised for keeping his school functional despite limited resources by personally maintaining the facility with the support of his wife and children.
Also honoured was Hadiza Garba for her outstanding leadership at Government Secondary School, Shafa, and the Bilingual School, Briyel in Bayo Local Government Area.
Amina Modu Mafa also received recognition for her resilience and commitment while serving as principal in Mafa, where she worked under difficult conditions to improve student enrolment and academic performance.
The commissioner also highlighted the sacrifice of veteran teacher Mallam Babamodu, who sustained injuries while protecting students during an attack.
He recalled that Governor Zulum rewarded the teacher with a house and N2 million, while the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, donated an additional N2 million in recognition of his bravery.
Wakilbe hinted that another round of the Education Excellence Awards could be held before the end of the current administration, challenging teachers across the state to distinguish themselves through outstanding service.
“We might have one final round of awards before this administration ends. It is an open challenge to all of you,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, senior ministry officials, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Audu Garba Zali, the President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Abba Ali Ladan, directors, education secretaries, principals, head teachers, teachers, award recipients and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, NUT Chairman Audu Garba Zali and ANCOPSS President Abba Ali Ladan commended Governor Zulum’s sustained investment in education and pledged their continued support for reforms in the sector.
Responding on behalf of the award recipients, Malam Ayuba Daniel described the recognition as “the reward of hard work” and pledged to remain committed to excellence in service.
Meanwhile, reactions from members of the public commended the governor for recognising excellence in education, while some stakeholders appealed for greater attention to teachers’ welfare, including the review of cases involving dismissed teachers, implementation of the minimum wage, payment of retirees’ benefits, promotions, and other outstanding entitlements.
They argued that strengthening the education sector requires not only rewarding school leaders but also improving the welfare and motivation of classroom teachers.
